Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to poet and writer Andrés N. Ordorica about his wonderful debut collection 'At Least This I Know', which is published by 404 Ink. The two discuss the themes the poetry examines - particularly that of belonging - the structure of the book and the story that emerges, the influence of Edwin Morgan, and the importance of colour to Andrés's life and work. Andrés also talks about the importance of safe spaces and communities for artists and writers to be able to develop and share their work. It's an insightful and engaging conversation with a writer of rare talent.

The latest SWH! podcast in collaboration with Scottish Opera is an interview with soprano, and Scottish Opera Emerging Artist, Catriona Hewitson ahead of the latest production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', where she will be Tytania. It opens with three performances at Theatre Royal Glasgow on February 22, before transferring to Festival Theatre Edinburgh for a further three performances, and it was great to hear all about it from Catriona, as well as hearing about her life in music, her role in Scottish Opera, and a whole lot more.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to MSP and writer Alasdair Allan about his book 'Tweed Rins Tae the Ocean', which follows Alasdair and friends as they walk along the Scottish Borders from east coast to west. Along the way we not only learn about the places and people they encounter, but also about the rich history, literature, and language of these often debated lands. So much more than just another travelogue, Allan's knowledge and research lifts the book to another level giving an insightful and often surprising picture of a part of Scotland which is too often consigned to the past. Alasdair Allan has managed to keep the mystery and mythology of the Borders while bringing the reader right up to date, and it was a real pleasure to be able to talk to him about the book and what inspired it.

For the first Scots Whay Hae! podcast of 2022 Ali speaks to journalist, cultural commentator, and music biographer Graeme Thomson to talk all about his latest book, 'Themes For Great Cities: A New History of Simple Minds', which concentrates on the early years and albums of one of Scotland's most successful and lauded bands. The two talk about the unusual working methods of the band, the many changes they went through, and the feverish work ethic which defined them from the start. They also talk about the influence Simple Minds' music had on others, the influence of individual members, the inspiration taken from their home town, the ambition which drove them on to bigger, if not necessarily better, things, and why the music endures. It's an insightful interview which will interest not only admirers of 'the Minds', but music fans more generally as a picture emerges of a band unlike any other.

For the latest in our Best of 2021 podcasts it's all about music, with Ali joined by musician, podcaster, radio presenter, and champion of Scottish music, Fiona Liddell. The two have picked 10 of their favourite to represent a fantastic year of Scottish music.  There's great songs and singers, pop, jazz, hip-hop, indie, electronica, folk, and more, and it was such a pleasure to take a trip back through just a sample of the soundtrack to the last 12 months.  And there's a Spotify soundtrack to accompany the podcast to let you listen to all the music under discussion which you'll find alongside all the ways to listen at scotswhayhae.com

In a year when cinemas remain closed for the first few months, we did once again worry we wouldn't have that much to talk about when it came to the Best Films of 2021, and once again we were wrong. Because film found a way, with many memorable releases making it onto cinema screens as well as on the increasing variety of streaming services. To celebrate that, and all things film, Chris Ward, Wesley Shearer, and Ali reunite for their annual chat about their favourite movies of the year. Picking five each, they share their enthusiasm for films you may have missed first time around, and we’re sure you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.  They talk about films during lockdown, this year’s Glasgow Film Festival, returning to cinemas (or not!), directors old and new, documentaries, new drama, musicals, the cinema vs home viewing, and a whole lot more.

For the first of our Best of 2021 podcast it's about all things bookish as Ali is once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly. The two look at the themes and trends of the year, the notable debuts, poetry, publishing, crime, memoirs and non-fiction, the return of some notable names, and a whole lot more. They also look ahead to 2022 to see what's coming in the year ahead. It's a podcast which reflects, and celebrates, a memorable year in Scottish writing.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali talks to one of Scots Whay Hae!'s favourite singer/songwriters, Annie Booth, to mark the release of her latest album 'Lazybody'. The two discuss how Annie feels to have a new record out, how it came to be, the differences between playing in a band and working solo, working with producer/musician Chris McCrory, the importance of collaboration, the exciting current state of Scottish music, and a whole lot more. The two also talk about putting yourself in front of other people (both on record and live), and the importance of perspective. Altogether it's an honest and insightful conversation which will ring true with many who want to create, but find some aspects of being an artist challenging.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and poet Charlie Roy about her debut novel 'THE BROKEN PANE', which we consider one of the books of the year so far. The two discuss why this was the story Charlie wanted to tell, how the structure of the novel developed, her close relationship with, and the duty of care she felt for, her central character 'Tam', the importance of redrafting, creating believable and memorable secondary characters, and the complex nature of family secrets. Charlie also talks about the themes of mental health, women's lives, and family, and why they are important to all her work, as well as explaining the central role her dog played in the writing of 'THE BROKEN PANE'. It's an interview which offers real insight into the life of a writer and what writing a novel entails.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer C. F. Peterson about his new novel 'The Purified', available now - published by Scotland Street Press. It's the second in the Duncul series following on from 2017's 'Errant Blood'. The two talk about the challenges of writing a sequel, setting the books in the Scottish Highlands, Calum's approach to writing, the writers who influence him, and working with Scotland Street Press. They also go into detail about some of the themes Calum covers in 'The Purified', including rewilding Scotland, climate change, anarchism, land ownership, nationalism, and a whole lot more.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer George Paterson about his debut novel 'The Girl, The Crow, The Writer And The Fighter', available on 21st October 2021 - published by Into Books. The two discuss what inspired George to write this novel, the influence of all things American, specific influences, American literature, the importance of film with regard to the way the book was written, and much more. The conversation also touches upon research, working with the Into Creative team, and the way that books can change lives. 'The Girl, The Crow, The Writer And The Fighter' is a great debut, one which we consider "Possibly the finest American novel not to come out of America", and it was a pleasure to discuss the themes and ideas behind it. If you're looking for your next read, this not only could, but should, be it.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with writer Iain Maloney (live from Japan!), and Angela and Paul Docherty from his publishers Liminal Ink. The main reason is to talk about Iain's new novella 'Life is Elsewhere/Burn Your Flags', a terrific, timeless, treatise on what happens when love dies, set against the specific backdrop of COVID. However, the conversation also covers the relationship between writer and publisher, the steep learning curve for new publishers, why the three wanted to work together, and so much more. We consider it a must-listen for readers, writers, and others interested in the world of books and publishing.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer, and returning guest, Graeme Macrae Burnet about his latest novel 'Case Study' (published by Saraband). As with all of Graeme's books there's a lot to discuss, and the conversation turns to the life and work of R.D. Laing, the importance of research, the structure of the novel, how Graeme approaches writing, the excitement of writing a controversial character, the common threads which run though his fiction, the appeal of the cultural movements of the 1960s, and a whole lot more. They also discuss the cult of the author and the affect that has on the way books are marketed and received, and perhaps on the reader as well. It's always great to have Graeme on the podcast, and it was such a pleasure to be able to catch up with him in real life. The result is an insightful and entertaining interview which will give you a taste of what is undoubtedly one of the best books of the year.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Charles E McGarry about his new novel 'The Mystery of the Strange Piper', the latest in the 'Leo Moran Mysteries'. We consider Leo Moran to be one of the most memorable literary characters of recent times, and the two discuss how Leo came to be, the inspirations behind him and the series, the supernatural aspect, Leo Moran's moral and aesthetic sensibilities, and a whole lot more. You can also find out about Charlie's podcast series 'Debut' and where to find it. It's one of the most interesting and insightful interviews with a writer we have put out, and we think you'll agree.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to music historian and writer Stewart Smith about Jazz at the Third Eye, the multi-media project exploring Glasgow’s visionary arts centre which launches on October 22nd, 2021. Stewart talks about how the project came about and his involvement, the central role of the Centre's director Tom McGrath, some of the musicians and other artists who appeared there, as well as sharing just a few of the stories he uncovered during his research. He also talks about the live music aspect to the project, where some of Scotland’s most innovative musicians will perform new work inspired by the history of the Third Eye. Jazz at the Third Eye is a Creative Scotland funded residency at the Centre for Contemporary Arts Glasgow, dedicated to establishing a digital archive of jazz and improvised music at its previous incarnation, the Third Eye Centre, from 1975 to 1991, and you can find out more at - https://www.cca-glasgow.com/

For the latest podcast Ali speaks to sculptor Oliver Cook and painter Calum McClure about their exhibitions at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh (2nd-25th September). 'Exploring the relationship between light and movement and the translucent properties of alabaster through sculptural forms and everyday objects, Oliver Cook’s work challenges the viewer to reconsider their preconceptions of sculpture’s fixed nature.' 'Calum McClure has had five successful exhibitions with The Scottish Gallery and was an invited artist at the Annual Exhibition of the Royal Academy in London in 2012. McClure is a painter who immerses himself in the landscape, evoking different atmospheres, through the representation of light, shadow and reflections.' Two for the price of one, when taken together the podcast offers real insight into the work and inspirations of two artists who ask us to look at the world with fresh perspectives, and reconsider our relationships with it.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with writer John Gerard Fagan to talk about his memoir 'Fish Town' (published by Guts Publishing) which is all about his time living and working in Japan. The two discuss why John decided to write it, the reasons for the format of free-verse poetry, and some of the influences he drew on. They also talk about why John decided to head east in the first place, how his expectations were overturned early on, his life in the 'Fish Town' of the title, his experiences of teaching English in a variety of institutions, Japanese football etiquette, uncovering an obsession with 'We Are The World', and so much more.

The latest SWH! podcast is a rather special one. It's a collaboration with the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Publishing Scotland as part of the Scottish Publisher Showcase at this year's book festival. There are interviews with eight representatives from a variety of publishers who tell us all about who they are, what they do, the challenges they face, and the books they are excited about. As well as those core conversations we talk to Nick Barley, the Director of the Edinburgh Book Festival, and Vikki Reilly from Publishing Scotland. Put together it makes for a fascinating insight into, and overview of, publishing in Scotland today, and we hope you'll be encouraged to investigate further, which you can do by visiting edbookfest.co.uk & publishingscotland.org.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with musician Xan Tyler to talk about her collaboration with reggae legend Mad Professor on the album 'Clarion Call' (out now!), the first time they have worked together in 20 years. Xan also discusses her recent work with another music legend, Kramer, on the album 'Songs We Sang In Our Dreams', her life in music from her beginnings as a teenage backing singer for cult band Death Bang Party, being signed to Creation Records, her solo material, the exciting plans for the future, and so much more. It's an absorbing and insightful conversation with someone steeped in music.

For the latest podcast Ali catches up with musician and producer Joe Kane who invited SWH! to his home studio. It was great to do another podcast face to face, and the two discuss Joe's latest project The Poppermost and the accompanying album 'Hits To Spare'. They also discuss Joe's life in music and all his previous bands and projects, the highs and lows of working through Lockdown, dealing with the musical expectations of fans, the yet-to-be-finished albums, playing live again with his new band, what the future may hold, and a whole lot more. As long time fans of Joe and his music it was a pleasure to be able to get him on the podcast and talk about both.